Taken from the teachings of Kenneth Cohen’s, “The Way of Oigong”
Qi is the Chinese word for life energy. Qi is the power that flows through all living things
Gong means “work° or benefits acquired through perseverance and practice. Qigong means working with the life energy, learning how to control the flow and distribution of qi to improve the health and harmony of mind and body.
Qigong is a form of Taoist Yoga that has been practiced for thousands of years in China for maintaining health and well being. Qigong strengthens the immune system and is used to prevent illness or recover from illness. A famous Chinese healer said that the body should be exercised, but not to the point of exhaustion. Exercise improves digestion and keeps the blood vessels open and thus prevents illness. The Chinese liken the turning and twisting of the body joints for longevity to a door hinge which receives no rust when used frequently.
The main principles for practicing Qigong are as follows:
1) Perseverance: continuous practice over time cultivates qi.
2) Slow and Steady Movements: slow natural breath rhythm with an inward quality, as the inward calm senses internal continuity. Even when the movement
stops, inside the breath is still moving.
3) Balance: The Spirit of the Animal. Don’t move like it; feel as if you are becoming the animal The expression comes from the inside out.
4) Relaxed and natural; the movements are not forced with a tranquil relaxed quality. The eyes are relaxed, half open and observant.
5) Concentrated awareness: Keep the mind focused on what you are doing. Qi will flow where the mind sends it It is better to practice a short time with
intent rather than an hour unfocused. It is best to practice 2 hours after a meal or practice before a meal. To cultivate qi, the best time to practice
is in the morning. In the spring time of the day will bear fruits, rather than planting seeds in the winter, or at night
6) Listen to your body: Pay attention to signs and messages from your body. If something does not feel right, stop and look within. The movements should be
effortless. If there is pain, there is no gain. Pain is a sign of danger, don’t fight against it. No teacher or doctor knows more about your level of
discomfort than you know yourself.
7) Rounded and Spherical movements: The circle is the shape of harmony in nature. With light and agile movements, keep all the joints soft and open as they
are the gates of energy. Locked joints block the qi flow and close the gates.
8) Natural Breathing The breath should be natural, don’t force or push it.
9) Alignment: Watch the alignment of the spine, from the crown to the tail. The crown is lifted like from a string to the heaven. The tail is dropped and
the feet are rooted to the ground.
10) The Power is in the Lower Dantien:The line of qi and vitality Begins in the feet moves through the waist and flows through the hands.